Response Options Regarding Tariff Imposed by [Special Relationship Country]

 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRIME MINISTER

FROM: [Your Name/Minister for Relevant Department]

DATE: [Current Date]

SUBJECT: Revised Response Options Regarding Tariff Imposed by [Special Relationship Country] - For Consideration and Copy to the Foreign Secretary

Right Honourable Prime Minister,

This memorandum revises the potential courses of action in response to the recently imposed tariff by [Special Relationship Country] on [Specific UK Goods/Sectors], incorporating recommendations on the suitability of each option and noting that a copy of this memo is being forwarded to the Foreign Secretary.

Drawing upon established protocols for addressing matters of foreign affairs, the following options, as previously outlined, warrant your renewed consideration, alongside my recommendations:

1. Do Nothing: This option would involve tacitly accepting the imposition of the tariff. Sir Humphrey Appleby suggests that doing nothing implies implicit agreement with the situation. Recommendation: This option is generally not advisable as it could be interpreted as a sign of weakness or implicit acceptance of a detrimental trade action from a key ally.

2. Issue a Statement Deploring the Tariff: We could release a public statement expressing our disappointment and concern regarding this unilateral action. Sir Humphrey notes that such statements often make the government look foolish. Recommendation: This option should be approached with extreme caution. While expressing our position is important, a simple statement of deploring the action may indeed appear ineffectual and could be perceived as mere grandstanding without any tangible follow-up.

3. Lodge an Official Protest: A more formal approach would involve submitting a diplomatic protest to the government of [Special Relationship Country], outlining our objections to the tariff and requesting its reconsideration. Sir Humphrey points out that such protests are likely to be ignored. Recommendation: This option should be considered a necessary initial step to formally register our disagreement through diplomatic channels, even if the immediate impact is expected to be limited. It establishes a clear record of our opposition.

4. Cut Off Aid: This represents an economic measure to exert pressure. In the context of Buranda, Sir Humphrey noted this wasn't an option as Britain provided no aid. Recommendation: This option is highly unlikely to be applicable or advisable in the context of a special relationship country. It is presumed that such a partner does not receive direct aid from the UK. Even considering other forms of cooperation, unilaterally ceasing them could be seen as a disproportionate and damaging response, jeopardising the broader relationship. This option is not recommended.

5. Break Off Diplomatic Relations: Severing formal diplomatic ties would represent a severe escalation. Sir Humphrey cautions against this as it would prevent negotiation on other important matters. Recommendation: This option is strongly not recommended at this stage. Breaking off diplomatic relations would be an exceptionally drastic measure with profound negative consequences for our ability to resolve this issue and manage the wider bilateral relationship. It should only be considered in the most extreme and unlikely circumstances.

6. Declare War: Sir Humphrey wryly suggests this as the highest level of escalation, noting it might appear an overreaction. Recommendation: This option is, self-evidently, entirely inappropriate and must not be considered in response to a trade dispute with a special relationship country.

Prime Minister, it is evident that most of the outlined "usual six options", particularly the more extreme ones, are unsuitable for addressing this situation with a special relationship country. A more considered and nuanced approach, focusing on diplomatic engagement, negotiation, and potentially targeted and proportionate economic responses (beyond simply cutting off non-existent aid), is likely to be more effective in achieving a resolution while preserving the overall strength of our bilateral ties.

I reiterate my readiness to discuss these matters further at your earliest convenience.

[Your Signature]

[Your Name/Minister for Relevant Department]

cc: The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs